Galaxy preview: L.A. faces Portland tonight

Matchup: While Landon Donovan continues to reach milestones with the U.S. national team, the Galaxy (9-7-3) look like they're starting to gain some serious traction in MLS play. Outside of Donovan, they have their full complement of starters, and rookie Gyasi Zardes is beginning to lurk as a serious scoring threat alongside Robbie Keane. ... Keane is on fire. He has the fourth-most goals in MLS (seven) and leads the league in assists with eight. ... Hector Jimenez has made two consecutive starts in Donovan's place and has scored two goals in the past three games. ... Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini hasn't had to face many shots this season, but he has seven shutouts and a 1.12 goals-against average into the match. ... Portland (7-2-9) has allowed only 17 goals in 18 games, including a 0-0 tie with the Galaxy on June 19. The Timbers, tied with the Galaxy for third place in the Western Conference standings, have won two games in a row only once this season. Their 1-0 loss to Columbus Sunday ended a 15-game unbeaten streak. ... Timbers defender Pa Modou Kah, ejected in the 11th minute of that game after picking up two yellow cards, will serve a one-game suspension.